CARTERS - Our History

Robert Holt opens steam-powered sawmill in Napier.

1859

A hand-built boiler. These were used to power steam-powdered sawmills such as Robert Holt's.

Alex Harvey

1886

Alex Harvey founds first tin manufacturing business in Auckland.

1896

Francis Carter launches first sawmilling venture near Levin.

Alex Harvey & Sons

1911

Alex Harvey & Sons factory in Victoria St, Auckland. Now the site of Les Mills World of Fitness.

Circus passes R. Holt

1900s

A Travelling circus passes an early R. Holt site in Napier. The carriage contains a Bengal tiger.

CARTERS Consolidated

1951

Offices of the Morningside Timber Company, part of CARTERS Consolidated. Next door is the current site of CARTERS St Lukes.

1959

Celebration of 100 years

The city of Napier celebrated the 100 years in business for Robert Holt and Sons. A special edition of the local newspaper celebrated their achievements.

Alex Harvey & Sons merges with Australian Consolidated Industries to form AHI, manufacturing tins, fridge cabinets, and more.

1969

The first timber shipment is sent from Robert Holt & Sons to Japan.

1971

Carter Holt Holdings

Carter and Holt merge to form Carter Holt Holdings.

Names of the Game

1970s

As they has been throughout their respective histories, the Holt and Carter names are at the forefront of innovation and development in the timber industry.

Partnership

1973

Carter Holt opens the PanPac Pulp Mill with Japanese partners Oji and Kohusaku Papers. Prime Minister Norman Kirk presides over the historic occasion.

1980s

Before rebranding as Carters in the 1990s, the Carter Holt Building Supplies name and colours were a familiar sight for builders around New Zealand, such as on these reps' cars.

Holts Corner in Hastings

1980s

2000s

Over the last 10 years, CARTERS has served as the proud public face of Carter Holt Harvey. Just like the original Carter, Holt and Harvey, every member of our team nationwide, does their best every day to help build New Zealand.